At a recent crochet chapter meeting, one of our members brought in this book.  Looking at the Shepherd's Coat on the cover, I immediately knew I had to have my own copy.   This was the type of pattern I had been looking for, very easy instructions of repeat stitches, forming a dolman type cover-up.  Arlyth Atkinson is the designer.  The pattern is worked in rows and you switch the color of yarn at the bottom of the piece after finishing a last row.  The coat has light to dark to light in color shading, creating a pleasing combination of fibers and enticing one to make it today!  The collar is also easy to make or you could leave off that fuller collar for a flat neckband.  Attaching the sleeves together and other finishing instructions are easy to follow.  I have not made my coat yet but plan to soon.

This book is a collection of designer fashions.  Patterns are set up in groups named Elegant Evenings, Special Touches, Intimate Indulgences, Summer Sensations, Timeless Favorites and Winter Wonders.  There are 51 patterns, some being embellishment items and accessories and others are coats, vests, shawls, hats, capes, gloves and slippers.  Some of the Irish crochet jewelry from the 1980's Annie patterns are included in this book such as Irish Medallions.  I wish they had included the Irish Mum, which is now out of print.

One ensemble of hat, belt, scarf and bag are worked in an animal motif and includes a graph of the animal print.  There is a glittery scarf that sets around your neck appearing more like a collar than scarf and has feathers as embellishment.  Crocheted hair pieces with bead embellishment, sachets, hanger covers, edging for hankies, turban hat, 21 tiny snowflakes for decorating clothing or use for ornaments, crochet piecing into nightwear, bed jacket, cover dress in filet, barrettes, snoods, cardigans, jackets, lacy shawls, bags, and many more patterns are included.   The designer of each pattern is listed with the pattern.

I found the Rose Trellis Scarf/Stole  by Angelina Varona charming, in soft pastels, a beautiful pattern with flowers hanging off the edge and fringe following the flowers.  This is a pattern I want to make.  It could be worn in cool weather but is light enough for warmer climate.

Collared Vest is made of small motifs worked together.  This design reminds me of all the long runners and doilies my mother made years ago.   The vest has a petal type shaping at the bottom, allowing the motifs to continue down at the end and make a scallop formation.

At the back of the book is a stitch guide of all the stitches used in the patterns, hook sizes and abbreviations.  Each pattern includes instructions for any specialty stitches required.

Some of the shawls are very elaborate and would be time consuming to make but a real heirloom when finished.  Most of the patterns take one page, some two pages of instructions and only a few are more lengthy.  Several of the projects are quick and easy using thick yarns and a large hook.  Whether you like to spend time working a more extensive design or the quick and easy, you will find it in Annie's Favorite Designer Fashions.